New Jersey Lemon Law – Complete Consumer Guide

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    New Jersey Lemon Law – Complete Consumer Guide

    The New Jersey Lemon Law protects consumers who purchase or lease new vehicles that have significant defects the manufacturer can’t fix after a reasonable number of repair attempts.

    If your new car is a “lemon,” you may be entitled to a replacement, refund, or cash compensation — plus legal fees paid by the manufacturer.

    1. Does the New Jersey Lemon Law Apply to You?

    Covered Vehicles

    • New passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles purchased or leased in New Jersey

    • Registered for personal, household, or family use

    • Gross vehicle weight under 10,000 pounds

    • Defects occurring within the first 24 months or 24,000 miles of delivery (whichever comes first)

    Not Covered

    • Used vehicles (covered under NJ’s separate Used Car Lemon Law)

    • Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs

    • Off-road vehicles, the living quarters of motorhomes

    2. What Qualifies as a “Lemon” in NJ

    A vehicle is presumed to be a lemon if:

    1. The same defect has been subject to 3 or more repair attempts without success; OR

    2. The vehicle has been out of service for 20 or more cumulative calendar days for any defect; AND

    3. The defect substantially impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle; AND

    4. The defect occurred within the Lemon Law rights period (24 months or 24,000 miles).

    3. Your Rights Under the Law

    If your vehicle qualifies:

    • Replacement Vehicle of equal or greater value

    • Full Refund of the purchase/lease price, including taxes, registration, and fees

    • Reimbursement of incidental expenses (towing, rental cars, etc.)

    • Attorney’s fees paid by the manufacturer

    4. The Process – Step-by-Step

    Step 1 – Notify the Manufacturer

    • Send written notice by certified mail to the manufacturer’s regional office giving them one final opportunity to repair the defect.

    • Keep copies of all repair orders, letters, and receipts.

    Step 2 – Final Repair Attempt

    • The manufacturer has 10 days from receiving your letter to complete repairs.

    Step 3 – Arbitration or Direct Court Action

    • New Jersey offers a state-run Lemon Law Unit arbitration program within the Division of Consumer Affairs.

    • You can also pursue a claim in court directly.

    • If arbitration fails, you can still litigate.

    5. The Litigation Process in New Jersey Lemon Law Cases

    If informal resolution doesn’t work, your case may go to court.

    A. Filing the Lawsuit

    • We file a complaint in New Jersey Superior Court (Law Division or Special Civil Part) or in federal court if applicable.

    • We may include claims under:

      • New Jersey Lemon Law

      • Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

      • New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act

    B. Discovery Phase

    • Exchange of evidence between both sides.

    • We request:

      • Detailed repair records

      • Warranty history

      • Manufacturer’s internal technical bulletins

    • You may need to provide testimony or answer questions under oath.

    C. Expert Evaluation

    • An expert mechanic can inspect your vehicle and testify to the defect and repair history.

    D. Settlement Negotiations

    • Many cases settle with:

      • Vehicle buyback

      • Replacement vehicle

      • Cash compensation for diminished value

      • Expense reimbursement

    E. Trial

    • Judge or jury decides if your car is a lemon and what remedy applies.

    • If you win, the manufacturer may be required to pay your attorney’s fees.

    6. Common Myths About the NJ Lemon Law

    • Myth: “I have to give unlimited repair attempts.”
      Truth: Only three unsuccessful repair attempts or 20 days out of service are required.

    • Myth: “If I modified my car, I can’t file.”
      Truth: Reasonable modifications unrelated to the defect may still allow a claim.

    • Myth: “Arbitration is my only choice.”
      Truth: You can bypass arbitration and sue directly.

    7. How We Help

    At Ginsburg Law Group, we:

    • Review your purchase and repair history

    • Handle all manufacturer communications

    • Represent you in state arbitration or court

    • Pursue the maximum recovery with no upfront cost to you

    8. What to Do Now

    1. Gather Your Records

      • Purchase or lease contract

      • All repair orders and receipts

      • Correspondence with dealer/manufacturer

    2. Contact Us

    3. Act Quickly

      • The Lemon Law rights period is only 24 months or 24,000 miles from delivery.

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